SRAM announce coaching leadership changes as Major Maniam steps back after 40 years

The Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) has announced a restructure of its top coaching staff after Director of Coaching Major Maniam’s decision to step back and balance working in an advisory capacity with SRAM with working with Real Madrid Foundation Malaysia.

Maniam, a WSF Level 3 Coaching Tutor, had worked with SRAM for over 40 years.

“First as a player, then as the National Coach and then during his first tenure as the Director of Coaching, Major Maniam has been instrumental in shaping the national squash landscape. He played a crucial role in developing world-class players and helping Malaysia achieve global success in the sport,” read a statement from SRAM.

It continued: “SRAM is pleased to announce that he will continue to contribute in an advisory capacity. His invaluable expertise and guidance will remain an asset to the association as it strives to maintain Malaysia’s competitive edge in the international squash arena.”

With Maniam stepping back and sports fans across Malaysia hoping squash’s Olympic debut at LA28 could provide a first ever Olympic gold medal for the nation, a new coaching structure has been implemented.

Andrew Cross, who has been SRAM’s Assistant Head Coach for the past seven years, will take over Maniam’s Role as Director of Coaching.

Shahril Shahidan, a former national team player and Senior Podium Coach, will become SRAM’s new Head Coach.

Incumbent Head Coach Ajaz Azmat, meanwhile, will transition to High Performance Coach, focusing on Malaysia’s elite squash players and aiming to deliver success at key events, most notably SRAM’s ‘Road to Gold’ initiative in the lead up to the LA28 Olympics.

Find out more about the changes.